More off the beaten track for a memorable trek to experience the panoramas and wildlife that these valleys offer.

This trek offers a different and exciting adventure to high altitudes trekking in eco-systems just packed with native wildlife like Andean antelope species, Vizcacha, Condor and much more, not to mention the snow-capped peaks, glistening colourful lake and valleys which all combine to make this a trek of superb beauty and adventure.

Huaraz / Quillcayhuanca gate (3,844m) / Cuchilla (4,550m)

Depart Huaraz to the Quillcayhuanca entrance (3,844m) of Huascarán National Park (15,5km / 1 hour). Our trek starts with almost no incline along the left side of the valley around the Quillcay River. Our views along this valley include waterfalls from both walls of the valley and the base of the snow-capped Andavite. After about 2 hours and 6.km, we pass the samll Pre-Inca enclosure of Nuevo Tambo. Reaching the fork in the Cayesh Valley, we follow the Tullpa Valley with a slight ascent to the Tullpacocha Lake at 4,300m, a lovely dark green colour.After a short rest, we follow the trail between some bushes and scrub and ascend with a winding track to the Cuchilla campsite (4,550m).

Trail Note

Cuchilla (4,550m) / Huapi Pass (5,075m) / Cojup Campsite (4,310m)

After our morning reenforcing meal, we ascend along the left side in a north-easterly direction. In single file via the grassy slope, we reach a small plain with an incredible view – after a short rest, we continue along the slope of mount Jatunmontepuncu (5,305m) until we reach the Huapi Pass at 5,075m and are rewarded with a breath-taking panorama of the white peaks among which we can recognise Ranrapalca (6,162m), Palcaraju (6,100m), Pucaranra (6,156m), Tullparaju (5,767m), Chopiraju (5,518m), San Juan (5,843m) and Huantsan (6,395m). Having taken our photos, we descend with a stony trail to the small plain of the Cojup Valley where the trail crosses a stream and we continue along the right side of the valley. Near the riverside, we set up camp for the night.

Trail Note

Cojup Campsite (4,310m) / Cojup gate (3,837m) / Huaraz

After our final packing, we leave our campsite to descend via the Cojup Valley where the remains of the 1950’s flood has left its mark on the valley. The trail passes through bushy/scrubby areas and then open areas until we cross the river to continue on the left side. Here we continue through meadow/prairie covered in vegetation below granite cliffs glittering with small waterfalls sliding down both massive walls of the valley. Finally we arrive at the entrance to the Cojup Valley (3,837m) and packing our kit into the vehicle for Huaraz.

Trail Note

4 – 5 hours trek /9.5 km / elevation change (-473m)

Winter

In winter, equipment for snow trekking would be required for Huapi Pass.

The program does not include:

Route

Many of the access roads to and from the Huascarán National Park are dirt roads and some sections of these road might be very bumpy in addition to winding sections in the ascents/descents.

Trekking Trail

There are no toilets along the trail at any point.

Be aware that there may be some crossings of small rivers and streams that do not have any bridges but only large rocks serving as stepping stones.

Ice and snow trekking equipment is required for the crossing of at least one high altitude pass.

Acclimatisation

It is important to do a few days of acclimatisation day treks before embarking on this stunning yet difficult trek. If you have just arrived from another high altitude location and you’re well acclimatised, discuss with us the feasibility of doing it on your first full day.

Recommendations for Best Seasons

All year around. The best time is from mid-April to late September or early October.April, May and June are the best months for lovers of flowers and green landscape. July through August are the best months for blue sky & also an excellent period for photographers (warm colours and clear blue skies are great!). From September to April you get a mixed sunny and pretty cloudy landscape.

Weather

The entire Cordillera Blanca has a semi-dry and semi-cold climate, with an average maximum temperature of 23.9° C (75.0° F) and a minimum of 1.1° C (33.98° F). The climate is very unpredictable, even in the dry season it can rain. During the days it can vary from hot to very frigid temperatures, included rain and strong winds or snow over 4800 meters above sea level. It usually starts getting cloudy more often in early September. October and November are the months when after 2-3pm you can count on afternoon showers.